The U.S. Department of Energy wants to offer $50 million in grants to help small and medium-sized suppliers convert their production facilities to make parts for electric vehicles rather than internal combustion engine vehicles. An additional $50 million will be provided under the bipartisan Infrastructure Act to help auto suppliers improve the energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and productivity of their facilities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“The strength of America's economy is built on the strength of America's supply chains. We have all learned something during the pandemic that was not clear before,” Vice President Kamala Harris said during a visit to Detroit. Told. This investment is designed to secure U.S. supply chains and preserve U.S. jobs.
In Detroit, Harris also announced a program in which the Department of Energy will work with the Small Business Administration, the U.S. federal agency that supports small businesses. The objective is to reduce credit costs for small and medium-sized auto parts manufacturers through a combination of government-backed financing and private capital investment. It also includes a pilot program that provides financing to auto parts manufacturers and dealers. The goal is to help companies that receive grants from the Department of Energy train, educate and hire local workers.
Automotive suppliers association MEMA welcomed the US government's announcement, stressing that it will strengthen the domestic auto industry and ensure competitiveness in clean vehicles. “This significant investment and comprehensive set of actions announced by Vice President Harris will undoubtedly have a meaningful impact on this sector,” said Bill Long, President and CEO of MEMA. ” he commented. “This is a clear step in the right direction for our members and will enable them to grow within the evolving vehicle ecosystem.”
whitehouse.gov, mema.org, ny1.com
